The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reacted to the reported attack on him and his entourage in Benue State on Tuesday, describing the experience as “ridiculous and worrisome.”
Obi said he travelled to the state to show solidarity with a family affected by a recent killing in the community. However, while trying to drive out of the area, his entourage was reportedly blocked by thugs who shouted, “Peter Obi, go back.”
“I was wondering, are we still in Nigeria?” Obi said, adding that he was in the state as a presidential candidate to familiarise himself with the people, particularly now that political campaigns have commenced.
He appealed to security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant agencies, to intervene and call state governors to order.
Obi, who is a former governor, said, “This rascality cannot be allowed. We have people who can confront these people on our own if they say the government can no longer provide us with security.”
He stressed that he was not in Benue to contest for the governorship but to engage with the people as a presidential candidate and familiarise himself with the state.
According to Obi, the group that blocked his entourage was allegedly led by the Special Adviser on Youths to the state governor. He questioned how such an incident could occur without the knowledge of the government and security agencies, noting that, as a presidential candidate, he is free to move around the country.
“We are not here to fight anybody,” he said.
Obi also lamented the prevalence of thuggery in Benue State, attributing it partly to the lack of economic opportunities and means of livelihood among youths.
He assured that addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people would be among the priorities of his government.